Joe Fanning hoping for hot finish to winter season at Lingfield

10:23am Friday 19th March 2010

By Tom O'Ryan

North Yorkshire rider Joe Fanning, who has the winter season jockeys’ championship sewn up, can bring the curtain down on the campaign in style at Lingfield tomorrow.

Middleham-based Fanning, who is attached to Mark Johnston’s powerful yard, teams up with his boss in the £60,000 sportingbet Supports Heroes Spring Cup and the duo can clinch the honours with Greyfriarschorista, who has hit a high note in recent weeks.

Winner of his last three races, Greyfriarschorista was particularly impressive on his latest outing when he won by eight lengths without having to be asked a serious question.

This is obviously a tougher assignment, stepping up to Listed company but, given his rapid improvement, Greyfriarschorista is deserving of the nap vote to provide Fanning and Johnston with yet another winner.

The partnership also have good prospects in the sportingbet Maiden Stakes with Al Farahidi.

Once-raced, this three-year-old shaped with unmistakable promise when narrowly beaten on this course 12 days ago. He would hardly need to improve much on that display to go one better tomorrow.

Tranquil Tiger can capture the main highlight, the £100,000 sportingbet Winter Derby for Henry Cecil and Tom Queally, a combination which looks sure to enjoy another profitable association as the turf season bursts into life from next weekend.

Tranquil Tiger has not run since the turn of the year, but he ended 2009 with a flourish, winning twice here in November and December, producing solid form on each occasion.

Although he had previously looked a little tricky on turf, racing on the all-weather seems to have sweetened up Tranquil Tiger. He can land a major pay-day here for connections.

The Scorching Wind won well on this course in January. Stuart Williams’ charge can follow up in the sportingbet ‘Super 7’ Handicap Final.

Thirsk-based David Barron produced Jaconet in great heart to win on this course recently. It would be no surprise to see this speedy five-year-old oblige again in the sportingbet Sprint Stakes, a Listed event with £40,000 up for grabs.

The best of tomorrow’s jumping action takes place at Uttoxter, where the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National has attracted a strong line-up.

Badgerlaw, trained by Jessica Harrington, is one for the short-list. Runner-up to Himalayan Trail in this race two years ago, Badgerlaw finished fifth to Russian Trigger 12 months ago.

He has been in good form lately over hurdles and, at the third time attempt, the Irish raider can come good for this valuable prize.

Venetia Williams can strike another blow for lady trainers at Uttoxter by winning the totejackpot Novices’ Handicap Chase with Summery Justice.

Previously a decent hurdler, Summery Justice won at Kempton on his one and only outing this term. There is more to come from him.

Armchair punters tuning into Uttoxeter on Channel 4 should also make note of Milans Man in the totescoop6 Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by Howard Johnson, the ex-Irish pointer won nicely at Catterick last time out. He is now into handicap company and, not looking harshly treated, he is worthy of close attention in another trappy race.

Racing selections

Lingfield
1.55 Prince Of Thebes, 2.25 The Scorching Wind, 3.00 Greyfriarschorista (NAP), 3.35 Tranquil Tiger, 4.10 Dance The Star, 4.45 Jaconet, 5.20 Deauville Post, 5.50 Al Farahidi.